How to find your perfect watch
The time has come. After years spent wearing your Apple or smartwatch, you’re ready to buy your first “real” wristwatch. We’re not knocking Apple or smartwatches at all; just stating that many people have recently shifted from their smartwatches to a wristwatch, mechanical or quartz. Of course, we’ll explain what mechanical and quartz mean and their pros/cons, but let’s get into how to buy your perfect wristwatch.
Step 1: What is your passion/career?
When picking your first watch, it’s always a great idea to have your passions in mind. There are many styles and designs in watches that cater to specific industries or interests. Automotive and motorsports, aviation, diving and space travel are all examples of the different design languages
in this niche and extraordinary world of watch collecting. Another great thing to think about is what you do for work. If you’re in a physically demanding job, something rugged, like a tool watch, would probably be the best choice. If you’re in an office, a nice dress watch or a sports watch is a perfect option. However, this is our opinion, and you can wear what you like in any setting or occasion.
Step 2: Quartz or Mechanical?
If that question confused you, have no fear! Let us explain the difference between quartz and mechanical watch movements or mechanisms. Quartz watch movements are the most popular option since they require little to no maintenance to run correctly. The movements power source is a small battery, and the telltale sign is the second hand on a watch ticks each second instead of sweeping like a mechanical movement. A quartz movement will also keep better time more consistently.
Mechanical movements come in 2 categories; Manual-winding or Self-winding (Automatic.) Manual-winding movements require the wearer to wind the watch via the crown for the watch to run. Winding the crown compresses the mainspring with kinetic energy—the built-up energy in the mainspring powers the watch. Self-winding or automatic movements are similar to manual winding but are powered when the wearer moves their wrist due to a rotor attached to the movement. This rotor builds kinetic energy to the mainspring and allows the watch to function.
All of these movement choices offer different pros and cons. Quartz movements are the easiest to maintain and are great for grabbing a watch without worrying about winding it. They’re also the most accurate when keeping time. However, quartz movements require a battery replacement every couple of years. Collectors and enthusiasts prefer mechanical movements for a variety of reasons. Tradition, craftsmanship and self-sufficiency are a few examples. Mechanical watch movements have been around for centuries, and due to their history and the work it takes to create these mechanisms, collectors love them. However, mechanical watches do require a service every ten years.
Step 3: Size and Strap.
When a collector or new enthusiast buys a watch, there is a common trend that they buy a watch that doesn’t work with the size of their wrist. It’s too big or too small, and we recommend you buy a watch that caters to your wrist size for the best comfort and experience with your new timepiece. The “perfect” size for a watch is 38-40mm, but this will vary depending on wrist size. If your wrist is under 7 inches around, we feel the best sizing to look at is 36-38mm. If you have a 7-inch wrist, then 38-40mm is your best bet. If you have a wrist over 7.5 inches, we recommend looking at watches in the 41mm+ range. We believe this, but the preference is completely up to you! Buy what makes you happy in any size!
The strap material of a watch is also a crucial component of the wearing experience. Some people prefer leather straps, nato/fabric straps, stainless steel bracelets, rubber straps and many more. The best tip we can give you is to change your straps depending on the weather. For Fall and Winter, having a leather strap is the best bet, as stainless steel gets very cold, which can get uncomfortable on your wrist. For Spring and Summer, we highly recommend switching to stainless steel, rubber, or a nato/fabric strap is a great choice! Leather shouldn’t be worn in hot conditions since sweat can damage the material.
Step 4: Find out what’s right for you.
There are so many different designs, styles, movements and material choices; the watch world has endless possibilities and designs that could end up on your wrist. Do your research before making a purchase. Take the time to explore this fantastic hobby and find your corner of this amazing world. The best tip we can give you is to buy and wear what you want. Watch collecting is a unique hobby and one that you can use for self-expression or just to enjoy the mechanical works of art that many brands create. Take the time to find your style, and when the time comes, make that purchase, wear your watch, make some memories, and we’ll be happy to assist you!